Your fishing line often spells the difference between the satisfaction of landing that lunker or the disappointment of seeing it swim away when your line breaks. Of course, the line is only as good as the knot you tie, but selecting the most appropriate line may improve your chances and enjoyment on the water.

Manufacturers have invested heavily in improving fishing line by designing various characteristics to meet the demands of both the fish you are trying to catch and the conditions of the water

Lines also take into account your tackle--rod and reel--and your casting techniques

Limper lines may offer a little more sensitivity, a big plus when trying to catch smaller fish. But on the downside, they may have too much stretch, they pull too easy when a fish strikes, which may cause the line to break.

Today's line tries to combine a balance of sensitivity--to allow the user to feel the fish on his/her line, shock strength--to absorb the initial strike of a fish, controlled stretch-- to keep the fish on your line without it breaking easily, and the proper stiffness--to improve casting and retrieving

This number simply means the line's strength or pound-test is designed to hold the indicated weight before it breaks. For example, two-pound test has been rated to hold a two-pound fish before it breaks.

Novice anglers should buy the line that meets the size of the fish they want to catch. Choose a heavier line if you are unsure.

More advanced anglers may choose to use the lightest line possible to increase the challenge of landing a fish

Some of the new premium lines use thinner diameters with incredible strength and durability

This is because the thinner the line, the more sensitive the line. Sensitivity helps you feel the fish nibbling on your bait or lure.

Baitcasting reels work better with 10-pound test lines and heavier for saltwater fishing

Most manufacturers rate their line for fishing conditions, such as "ultra-light" for small fish such as perch and "big game" for larger fish like muskie or tuna

There are even specialized lines for cold weather and ice fishing

Abrasion resistance

Fishing lines are subjected to harsh conditions--rocks, tree stumps and the weather. That's why fishing lines are made to be abrasion-resistant.

Look for line that can withstand scuffing, nicks and the normal wear-and-tear from repeated casting

Most premium lines offer good abrasion resistance. Even monofilaments now come in special designs to improve abrasion resistance in extreme fishing conditions.

Color

Sometimes you need to see your line; other times you don't want the fish to see the line. Consequently, you can buy line that accomplishes one of these objectives.

Clear/blue fluorescent

Sunlight illuminates the line above the surface so it's easier to see when casting, retrieving or trolling

Under the surface, the line stays clear so it's nearly invisible to a fish

Low-visibility

This blends into most underwater environments so it's good in situations where the fishing is tougher either because they don't seem to want to bite or heavy fishing has made the fish a little smarter

Low-visibility clear

In clear streams or even in some lakes, the water runs clear. This color works well in ultra-clear water or when you know the fishing hole you have selected tends to have fish that seem unwilling to bite.

High-visibility gold

This bright color makes it easier to see when a fish strikes or to watch your line position when you troll several lines or go fishing in a current

You may also prefer this color for low-light conditions such as dawn, dusk and night

Coffee

If you are going fishing in muddy, stained waters, this color blends in with the water conditions

Moss green

This color works well in waters with heavy vegetation or algae

Stiffness or limpness

Typically, the stronger lines are also stiffer lines

Many of the limper lines are designed for certain types of reels to make casting easier and for open waters where few structures such as trees and rocks are a problem

Generally, the larger the diameter, the stiffer the line. Stiffness also normally adds strength to a line.